Protecting Pedestrians

Driving in crowded urban environments can be very stressful for motorists. Stop-and-go traffic can test a person’s nerves and also greatly increase the risk of a fender-bender, so it is expected that drivers remain particularly cautious in these areas. Unfortunately, we often forget to think about one of the gravest threats of driving in the city: hitting a pedestrian.

While all accidents are bad, for obvious reasons, an accident involving a pedestrian has a much larger risk of seriously injuring or killing someone than a collision that only involves vehicles. Drivers have a responsibility to put the safety of pedestrians at the top of their priority list, and must constantly be aware of the possibility that a walker or runner could enter the roadway at any time.

Tips for Keeping Pedestrians Safe

Many of the things that will help a driver keep pedestrians safe are the same things that will make a driver safe behind the wheel in general. Still, there are certain times and situations where a motorist must be particularly aware of people on foot. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

Approach crosswalks carefully and slowly

Check all blind spots and back up slowly

Slow down around stopped buses and bus stops

Keep your windshield clean

Be careful making left turns

Simply put, drivers must remain as aware as possible at all times in order to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Des Moines car accident attorneys of today at 877-327-2600 to discuss your situation with an experienced auto accident lawyer.